DistantNews
Support us
Germany: Chancellor vows to defend open society after Berlin terror attack
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

Germany: Chancellor vows to defend open society after Berlin terror attack

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned a terrorist attack during an LGBTQ+ pride event in Berlin, vowing to defend freedom and an open society.
  • The attack, which targeted participants of the Christopher Street Day event, has been classified as a religiously motivated terrorist act by the federal prosecutor's office.
  • Authorities have arrested a suspect and are investigating the possibility of accomplices, emphasizing a resolute response to such violence.

Berlin was shaken by a terrorist attack during an event celebrating LGBTQ+ rights, prompting a strong condemnation from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The attack, which occurred during the Christopher Street Day celebrations, targeted a woman participating in the event.

We are more, we are stronger, and we stand united in our country and this is the most important thing in such a difficult time.

— Friedrich MerzGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statement after attending a memorial service for the victim of the attack.

Chancellor Merz, speaking after attending a memorial service, declared, "We are more, we are stronger, and we stand united in our country." He vowed to defend "freedom, the open society, the liberalism of our lives and our society with all that we can do." Merz assured that "this poison against our freedom will not be allowed to spread further in our society" and pledged to act with "prudence, but also with determination."

We will defend freedom, the open society, the liberalism of our lives and our society with all that we can do – and we will do it together.

— Friedrich MerzChancellor Merz's pledge to protect democratic values following the terrorist attack.

Federal Minister of Justice Stephanie Hubig announced that the federal prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation, classifying the act as a terrorist offense with an Islamist background. "Of course, we will prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law and bring them to justice," Hubig stated. Berlin police spokesperson Florian Naß confirmed that the injured are not in life-threatening condition and that investigations are ongoing, including the possibility of accomplices.

We will not allow this poison against our freedom to spread further in our society.

— Friedrich MerzChancellor Merz's firm stance against extremism.

According to ARD terrorism expert Holger Schmidt, an Iranian national has been arrested and may have been a co-conspirator. The authorities are questioning several individuals, some of whom are in custody, to determine if they have grounds for suspicion within the next 48 hours.

We will decide with prudence, but also with determination, but these criminals have no place in the heart of our society.

— Friedrich MerzChancellor Merz's commitment to justice for the perpetrators.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog